U Matters

After more than 20 years of living in Hong Kong, I confess I still don't speak Cantonese. Additionally, like many other English speakers, I have learned that the Chinese character for crisis - is a combination of the characters "danger" and "opportunity." This translation was highlighted in a journal for missionaries in China in the 1930's. Over the years the phrase has been used by world and business leaders, and motivational speakers. However, after some fact checking, experts suggest that the translation is a bit of a stretch; a misinterpretation that has gone mainstream.

Although the translation of the character may be suspect, the fact remains that what is happening in our city has indeed been an opportunity to incite more prayer. I have never seen so many churches promoting prayer for Hong Kong. Last week on our prayer-walk we even met a lady from another church who was also prayer-walking. Challeng es often r emind us that we need to depend on God, 'fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and protector of our faith.' (Hebrews 12:2).

Paul writes in Philippians, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (4:6-7).

We read in Deuteronomy, "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (31:6).

The fact is, the word of God gives us promises that we can trust. May we be calmed and quieted in the full knowledge that God is with us and promises not to forsake us. May we find opportunities to reflect the love of God and pray. Please join us this Sunday after each of the services for a time of prayer.

Peace and blessings,

Pastor Michele

Prayer. All are welcome to join us for weekly prayer.
Tuesday Morning Prayer - 7:30am
Wednesday Discernment Prayer - 7:00-8:00pm
Sunday prayer for the city after each of the worship services

 

This Sunday

Baptism. On Sunday, we baptise Lucien Ng and Vanessa Ng. We celebrate and rejoice with them as they begin a new chapter in their Christian walk. Come celebrate with us!

 

175th Anniversary

175th Anniversary Trip: DATE CHANGE. We will now be going to Xishuang Banna, Yunnan province, China from 20th - 23rd September. Our preliminary plans are: Friday - travel; Saturday - mission activities; Sunday - fellowship; Monday - travelling back. Please note that this visit is for adults only. To sign up or obtain for more information, please email Yan Yu (

Worship and Celebration Service: Saturday, 19th October at Methodist International Church - all welcome. Please sign up at the Welcome Table. 

Opportunities

Prayer and Discernment for Union Church - Wednesday, 7:00PM to 8:15PM

Prayer & Discernment Update. The Prayer & Discernment Group continued to meet throughout the summer and as people return from travel, we encourage the community to join the group on Wednesday evenings at 7PM. Those who attended the 23rd March AGM and/or church meeting on 9th June, learned that the Prayer & Discernment Group was created to support Union Church with entering a time of Healing, Waiting on the Lord, and a Season of Stillness. We have clearly discerned that the first priority is to prayerfully seek greater alignment and healing to deepen our trust and become a more Christ-centred community. As such, we have not discerned that we should be in any hurry to commence a search for a Senior Pastor. We believe that unless we first "put our house in order" and seek deep healing through unified prayers, old strongholds will remain entrenched, and issues that have surfaced at various times in Union Church's past, will re cur, in va rious forms. We can be likened to the Israelites, who waited to move only when the fire by night or the cloud by day led them to go forward. We firmly believe the Lord is telling us to 'wait' before we move forward towards a search. Meanwhile, God is doing great things at Union Church. We are working with Pastor Michele to ensure that the staffing is suitably resourced and that ministries are properly supported. We welcome all to pray as a community while we wait on the Lord to lead us forward.

Alpha Returns! Bring your friends, relatives and colleagues to the first session on Wednesday, 25 September at 7:00PM! Sign up at the Welcome Table. Reservation or info contact Alpha.

Marriage Course is back after summer!!

Build a marriage that lasts. Tuesday nights from 10 September to 5 November 2019. 7:00PM to 9:30PM. Fellowship Hall of Union Church

Whether you are newly married or been married for years, this course offers a lifetime of practical ideas and tools to help keep your relationship strong. The course runs for 7 weeks + 1 further week if we have a social gathering (1 Oct will be a week off). It is based on Christian principles but is designed for ALL couples with or without a church background. The course is structured like a date night between each couple - there is no group sharing - just a romantic 3 course dinner which is served for you, a talk with videos and private discussions between yourselves as a couple.

Cost $1,800/couple including course materials and all the dinners.
For registration, please click or contact Joanna Yau at  or sign up at the Welcome Table.

Right Now Media

We’re excited to give you free access to RightNow Media, a wonderful library of video resources for all ages to help you develop and grow as both a disciple of Jesus and disciple-maker. Streaming directly to your computer, tablet, or mobile device, you’ll find the online Bible Study Library includes relevant content for every age group or spiritual season. You can search by category, topic, or speaker. Additionally, many of the series have direct links to workbooks and leader guides. Parents, you’ll find that RightNow has a multitude of videos and resources for your kids. Utilise the link below to start using this resource today. (Introduction video HERE)

Link to join:https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Account/Invite/UnionChurch  

Sunday School Teachers
Kingdom Kids needs adults who would love to serve and devote their time and energy for our children. We provide Gospel-centered curriculum, training, supplies and the kids. You get the incredible blessing of investing in kids and growing closer to Jesus with them.  Contact JACKLIEN ( ) 

Join the Union Team:

We are looking for a Young Adults Director, Assistant Youth Director and a Crèche Coordinator. Please contact stating which role you are interested in. We will contact you with more information about the role.

U-Cafe will restart this Sunday, 18 August

ReCharge will resume on 11 September

Small Group

Small groups are one of the main ways we connect with each other and connect with God, learning what the Kingdom of God is all about. Interested in joining or starting a group? 
Contact Monte Peterson. 

Ladies

Fertility & Pregnancy/Infant Loss Support Group - Struggling and could use some fellowship, friendship and support? Contact Sonia Lee.

Baptism and Membership

If you have been attending Union Church for a while and have never gone through the official process to become a member, now is your chance! Please collect a green form and make it official!

If you have never been baptised and are interested, please see Pastor Michele.  

Youth

Youth Summer Program

We will be having weekly events for Youth this summer.
The next event is detailed below:
What - Games/Activities Night
When - Friday August 16, 6-8PM
Where - Union Church @ Sunlight Tower

KIM Manila Mission Trip 2019

You are invited to join this year's mission trip to KIM in Manila, Philippines. We will be working in conjunctions with Kids International Ministries to continue an ambitious school building project in the local area.

Cost: $5000, includes flights, food/accommodation and donation to KIM for building supplies etc.

Details: October 4-7, open to all members of the congregation.  Please email us at  if you have any questions.

Kingdom Kids

'ROAR’ VBS SUNDAY SCHOOL, 18, 25 August & 1 September, 9:45AM and 11:15AM

At ROAR VBS Sunday School, kids will explore God’s goodness and celebrate a ferocious faith that powers them through this wild life. For registration, please print/complete the Registration Form, and send us by email ( ) or submit in person at the Welcome Table on Sunday. Children are welcome to bring friends along too, VBS Sunday School is free for all. 

Sunday School 2019/2020 Registration 

Sunday School Registration for academic year 2019/2020 is now open. All children enrolling in our Sunday School and Crèche Center MUST BE REGISTERED by filling in and signing the Registration Form HERE. Registration Forms are also av ailable at the Welcome Table.

Filipino Ministry

1:00PM - 1:50PM     Congregational Prayer
2:00PM - 2:50PM     Bible Study Groups
3:00PM - 4:00PM     Worship Service

Every 1st Sunday of the Month from 9:00AM to 12:00PM Outreach & Evangelism.

Stephen's Ministry

Are you Going Through a Difficult Time?

A Stephen Minister can help. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people going through a crisis or a difficult time. Please contact Pastor Michele if we can help ( ).

Family In Need

If you would like to help support our family in need ministry, which helps people monthly with basic needs, please mark your envelope "FIN".

Last Week Sermons

"A Promise" by Rev. Darrell Johnson

"Sustaining Faith" by Hunter Purvis

Protest/Weather Procedures

In the light of the recent protests and their impact on Hong Kong, we need to ensure the safety of our congregation and staff. We will always try to hold our services as normal, but we will implement the following procedures for our Sunday services when needed:

• All services will proceed as normal as long as there is no protest planned for the area directly around Sunlight Tower.

• In case of spontaneous events that might impact our congregation coming to Church, then our staff will make a decision on whether to suspend services. An email will be sent to all of our members to inform them of which services will be suspended.

We will try wherever possible to give as much notice as possible should we feel the need to suspend any service. Please make sure that you check your email before setting off for Church. You can help us by ensuring that we have your most up to date contact information. If you think your information may be incorrect, please contact .

At this time, we would also like to remind you of our Typhoon/Severe Weather policy:

All Church activities remain unchanged when tropical cyclone warning signal number 1 or 3 is hoisted. They will also be unaffected by the amber or red rainstorm warning signals.

When the Hong Kong Observatory issues a ‘Pre No.8 Typhoon Warning Signal’ on a Sunday, we will complete any service taking place and ask people to leave the Church and make their way home. Services planned for after this will be suspended

When the black rainstorm warning signal or tropical cyclone warning signal number 8 or above is hoisted on a Sunday before 07:30am, all Church activities (Worship services, Classes, Youth and Children’s programs etc.) scheduled at 9:45am or before will be cancelled. If the signal is subsequently lowered 2 hours before the 11:15AM service, the 11:15AM service will be held as scheduled. If the signal is lowered after 1pm, the Church will remain closed for the rest of the day.